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katieb94's reviews
727 reviews
With This Kiss by Carrie Hope Fletcher
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This book seems to sum up why I’m not the biggest fan of Carrie Hope Fletcher anymore. I got this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review and although I did enjoy the story- it wasn’t perfect and was definitely predictable.
Aside from the fact there’s a small moment of transphobia with a trans character who is never seen again after once scene, the main character over reacts A LOT over the fact she can’t kiss people because of her “power”.
I actually liked the character of Joanie more than I liked Lorelai. She felt more human, more reactive to things, whereas Lorelai walked around in a bubble worried she may cause someone’s death.
The romance was less meet cute and more ‘here’s a male character the mc thinks is hot let’s get them together’ which I felt was a little unnecessary due to the fact they didn’t really know each other and had basically one date.
It didn’t feel realistic.
It’s an enjoyable story other than that and there were moments I liked. I just know that I won’t be reading anything by Carrie again.
Aside from the fact there’s a small moment of transphobia with a trans character who is never seen again after once scene, the main character over reacts A LOT over the fact she can’t kiss people because of her “power”.
I actually liked the character of Joanie more than I liked Lorelai. She felt more human, more reactive to things, whereas Lorelai walked around in a bubble worried she may cause someone’s death.
The romance was less meet cute and more ‘here’s a male character the mc thinks is hot let’s get them together’ which I felt was a little unnecessary due to the fact they didn’t really know each other and had basically one date.
It didn’t feel realistic.
It’s an enjoyable story other than that and there were moments I liked. I just know that I won’t be reading anything by Carrie again.
A Dog Year: Twelve Months, Four Dogs, and Me by Jon Katz
emotional
funny
informative
lighthearted
medium-paced
4.0
Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I remember when this book was all over Booktube and was hyped up. I want to thank Netgalley for re-releasing it and allowing me to read it in exchange for an honest review.
The story follows three queens, sisters, separated at birth and forced to enhance their powers to one day kill their siblings and be the one true ruler. I didn’t really like any of them- Katherine was whiny, Arsinoe was stubborn and Mirabella is a home wrecker (a minor spoiler but that really annoyed me. I hate cheating even in books!)
It was a slow start but it did get a bit better as the story moved towards the festival where the sisters displayed their powers to the rest of the kingdom, that was the most exciting bit. Otherwise I found it dragged.
I was really disappointed that not one of them died or were killed considering the rest of the titles in this series. Every time it went that way, something happened.
I don’t know if I’ll be continuing the series and it’s mainly because the personalities of the three queens just didn’t gel with me.
I LOVED some of the background characters. Jules and her cougar, Camden, were my personal favourites. That’s why the betrayal of her lover with Mirabella was horrifying as his personality did not point to that and when it happened I was angry.
Overall, as a fantasy story it’s pretty good with the magic elements but I did feel like there could have been more. I would be interested to see where Arsinoe’s poisoner powers take her but that’s not enough to get me to read the rest of the series.
3/5 stars.
Slow start but enjoyable nearer the end.
The story follows three queens, sisters, separated at birth and forced to enhance their powers to one day kill their siblings and be the one true ruler. I didn’t really like any of them- Katherine was whiny, Arsinoe was stubborn and Mirabella is a home wrecker (a minor spoiler but that really annoyed me. I hate cheating even in books!)
It was a slow start but it did get a bit better as the story moved towards the festival where the sisters displayed their powers to the rest of the kingdom, that was the most exciting bit. Otherwise I found it dragged.
I was really disappointed that not one of them died or were killed considering the rest of the titles in this series. Every time it went that way, something happened.
I don’t know if I’ll be continuing the series and it’s mainly because the personalities of the three queens just didn’t gel with me.
I LOVED some of the background characters. Jules and her cougar, Camden, were my personal favourites. That’s why the betrayal of her lover with Mirabella was horrifying as his personality did not point to that and when it happened I was angry.
Overall, as a fantasy story it’s pretty good with the magic elements but I did feel like there could have been more. I would be interested to see where Arsinoe’s poisoner powers take her but that’s not enough to get me to read the rest of the series.
3/5 stars.
Slow start but enjoyable nearer the end.
The Flatshare by Beth O'Leary
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
The only reason this book is a 4/4.5 rating is because I wasn’t a fan of how the dialogue was written in Leon’s sections of the book.
I’ve heard people rave about this book so wanted to pick it up. Originally I started on audio but then my Alexa app refused to work so I read it physically instead and I still flew through it!
It all starts when Tiffy needs somewhere to live, so ends up sharing a flat with someone she’s never met. He works nights, she works in the day, so they share a bed but don’t literally share the bed.
It was a really interesting concept to the romance genre.
Tiffy’s friends can be a little bit cruel in places, and that felt a bit unfair but they do care about her.
There is drama, and I did audible gasp in places, I also laughed out loud too. I really like it when a book makes me react like that, it shows that the writing is spot on.
I’m definitely going to read more by Beth O’Leary and I’m glad I picked this one up. It’s cute, it’s hopeful and it shows that love can be where you least expect it. Also- Leon is a male nurse! That’s not something you see very often- usually a sexy doctor instead.
Really enjoyed it and would recommend!
4.5/5 stars.
I’ve heard people rave about this book so wanted to pick it up. Originally I started on audio but then my Alexa app refused to work so I read it physically instead and I still flew through it!
It all starts when Tiffy needs somewhere to live, so ends up sharing a flat with someone she’s never met. He works nights, she works in the day, so they share a bed but don’t literally share the bed.
It was a really interesting concept to the romance genre.
Tiffy’s friends can be a little bit cruel in places, and that felt a bit unfair but they do care about her.
There is drama, and I did audible gasp in places, I also laughed out loud too. I really like it when a book makes me react like that, it shows that the writing is spot on.
I’m definitely going to read more by Beth O’Leary and I’m glad I picked this one up. It’s cute, it’s hopeful and it shows that love can be where you least expect it. Also- Leon is a male nurse! That’s not something you see very often- usually a sexy doctor instead.
Really enjoyed it and would recommend!
4.5/5 stars.
Doctor Who Archives: The Tenth Doctor Vol. 2 by Leah Moore, John Reppion, Tony Lee
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Three Small Bones by Jennifer Chase
dark
informative
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I haven’t read any of the other books in this series but I also feel you don’t need to, as Detective Katie Scott is a well established character from the start. There’s a little bit of backstory but just to give you some background and that’s all that is needed.
The only thing I didn’t like about the book was the need for the killer to try and wipeout everyone connected to the case, it seemed a bit needless to have all the death.
The case and the cold case were interesting, especially when it was worked out they were linked. Unfortunately the killer was exactly who I thought it would be because although they try and move away from it, it was obvious.
However, it was a really enjoyable story. It’s clear that the forensics and dog-training side of the story are well researched, I ended up getting lost in the story as I really wanted to know who the killer was! I wanted to see if I’d got it right or not.
Katie is a great detective, she’s great friends with her colleagues and everyone felt like a family. It was nice to read them bonding between the grittiness of the crime.
4/5 stars
I would recommend.
I’m tempted to go back and read the others now
The only thing I didn’t like about the book was the need for the killer to try and wipeout everyone connected to the case, it seemed a bit needless to have all the death.
The case and the cold case were interesting, especially when it was worked out they were linked. Unfortunately the killer was exactly who I thought it would be because although they try and move away from it, it was obvious.
However, it was a really enjoyable story. It’s clear that the forensics and dog-training side of the story are well researched, I ended up getting lost in the story as I really wanted to know who the killer was! I wanted to see if I’d got it right or not.
Katie is a great detective, she’s great friends with her colleagues and everyone felt like a family. It was nice to read them bonding between the grittiness of the crime.
4/5 stars
I would recommend.
I’m tempted to go back and read the others now
Doctor Who Archives: The Tenth Doctor Vol. 1 by Gary Russell, Tony Lee
adventurous
dark
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
4.0
In Search Of Us by Ava Dellaira
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I did enjoy this book but the only reason I’m giving it three starts is because it had a slow start and sometimes the flashbacks didn’t really link up to the current time line. However, it is a good book and does look at some quite relevant issues.
We follow Angie, a young African American girl on a journey to find her father. It takes her to LA where her mother used to live and everything starts to fall into place. She learns the tragic truth, and it changes everything.
Especially as her mother is a white woman.
I knew that her dad was dead going into the book because you’re told pretty early on, but how he died was a mystery and I didn’t predict it which made it extremely shocking.
Police brutality is still a very current thing and it made it awful.
I do feel like Marilyn could have told Angie the truth sooner but as she blamed herself I can see why she didn’t but I don’t think Angie should have shamed her for something which hurt her so much to talk about.
Overall this book is a lovely story about family and how important they are, as well as about self discovery. It’s a good read.
3/5 stars.
We follow Angie, a young African American girl on a journey to find her father. It takes her to LA where her mother used to live and everything starts to fall into place. She learns the tragic truth, and it changes everything.
Especially as her mother is a white woman.
I knew that her dad was dead going into the book because you’re told pretty early on, but how he died was a mystery and I didn’t predict it which made it extremely shocking.
Police brutality is still a very current thing and it made it awful.
I do feel like Marilyn could have told Angie the truth sooner but as she blamed herself I can see why she didn’t but I don’t think Angie should have shamed her for something which hurt her so much to talk about.
Overall this book is a lovely story about family and how important they are, as well as about self discovery. It’s a good read.
3/5 stars.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Police brutality and Murder
Moderate: Racism
Minor: Drug use and Sexual content
Black Canary, Volume 2: New Killer Star by Sandy Jarrell, Annie Wu, Brenden Fletcher, Matthew Rosenberg
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Black Canary, Volume 1: Kicking and Screaming by Brenden Fletcher
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0